Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| canjear | /kanxeˈaɾ/ |
| cambalachear | /kambalat͡ʃeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| permutar | /peɾmuˈtaɾ/ |
The verb 'to swap' can be expressed in several ways depending on what is being exchanged. Use canjear when you are redeeming or exchanging things like points, coupons or vouchers. If you are referring to the exchange of assets, goods or properties, the more technical term is permutar. For a more informal or disorganized kind of swapping and bartering, you might use cambalachear.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the exchange. canjear is specifically for redeeming rewards or vouchers. permutar is a formal or technical term for exchanging goods, services or assets. cambalachear describes a messy or informal way of swapping items. Additionally, while canjear is a verb, the related noun cambalache can refer to a chaotic exchange or a disorganized collection of things.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
permutar is a formal synonym used in legal or technical contexts. cambalachear is a colloquial term used for informal or messy exchanges. You can also use cambiar as a formal alternative for swap.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kanxeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The term cambalache is famously immortalized in a classic tango song of the same name, which laments a world where everything is swapped for the wrong value.
- The term cambalache has evolved from a word for bartering into a cultural metaphor in Argentina used to describe general social or political disorder.
- The verb canjear is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'change', both tracing their roots back to the same ancient source through Italian and French.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría intercambiar mi libro por el tuyo.I would like to swap my book for yours.
- Podemos cambiar nuestros asientos en el teatro.We can swap our seats at the theater.
- El contrato establece que podemos permutar nuestros bienes.The contract states that we can swap our assets.
- Voy a canjear mis cromos por los tuyos.I'm going to swap my trading cards for yours.
- ¡Cambiaría mi bicicleta por tu patineta en un instante!I would swap my bicycle for your skateboard in an instant!
- En el mercado, podemos hacer trueque de frutas por verduras.At the market, we can swap fruits for vegetables.
- En el debate, cada participante podrá intercambiar sus puntos de vista.In the debate, each participant will be able to swap their viewpoints.
- Para el próximo proyecto, nos intercambiaremos los roles.For the next project, we will swap roles.
- Quiero canjear mis puntos por un cupón.I want to exchange my points for a coupon.
- ¿Puedo canjear este vale por un producto?Can I exchange this voucher for a product?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at a store talking about a reward program.
- LucíaJavier, ¿sabes cómo canjear estos puntos?Javier, do you know how to exchange these points?
- JavierSí, Lucía, puedes canjearlos en la caja.Yes, Lucía, you can exchange them at the counter.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! ¿Por qué producto puedo canjearlos?Great! What product can I exchange them for?
- JavierPuedes canjearlos por un café gratis.You can exchange them for a free coffee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swap” translations and entries canjear, cambalachear, permutar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cambalachear, canjear, permutar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
